Politics & Government

5:10 pm

Mon July 14, 2014

Bayh Not Ruling Out a 2016 Gubernatorial Run

Former Indiana Gov. Evan Bayh said Monday he's not ruling out another run for the office.

Credit Brandon Smith / Indiana Public Broadcasting

Evan Bayh isn’t ruling out a run for governor in 2016.

The son of legendary Senator Birch Bayh, Evan Bayh was elected Secretary of State before serving two terms as governor, followed by 12 years in the U.S. Senate. He abruptly opted not to seek a third Senate term in 2010. Since then, he’s worked as a policy analyst and political commentator for Fox News.

He’s also donated some of his remaining campaign funds -- which total nearly $10 million -- to various Hoosier Democrats.

Now, many are wondering if Bayh will throw his hat into the ring for a gubernatorial run in 2016.

Speaking to the media Monday about the resignation of U.S. Attorney Joe Hogsett, a friend and political ally, Bayh says he’s not making a decision right now.

“You know, that’s an election that’s two and a half years from now,” Bayh said. “We’ve got important races this fall that are going to be important to the state of Indiana and we’ve got mayors races next year, so first things first.”

Bayh says he’s focused on getting his two sons off to college in a month and will sit down with his wife after that to discuss his political future.